Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake for Holiday Gatherings

Nothing says holiday cheer quite like a Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake. I still remember the first time my son, Jake, helped me bake this cake for Christmas. He was so excited to mix the ingredients, and the aroma of oranges and cranberries filled our kitchen, making it feel like the holidays had truly arrived.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s bursting with fresh flavors that brighten up any holiday table.
• The vibrant colors make it a showstopper at gatherings.
• It’s easy to make, so everyone can join in on the fun.

Pure Comfort

This cake is pure comfort food. The tartness of the cranberries balances perfectly with the sweetness of the orange, creating a delightful treat that warms the heart.

What You Need

• 1 cup 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks) – Can substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option.
• 2 cups 2 cups granulated sugar – Use coconut sugar for a less refined option.
• 4 4 large eggs – Egg substitutes can be used for a vegan version.
• 3 cups 3 cups all-purpose flour (360 g) – Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier option.
• 1 tbsp 1 tablespoon baking powder – Ensure it’s fresh for best results.
• 1 tsp 1 teaspoon salt – Kosher salt works well too.
• 1 cup 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped – Dried cranberries can be used in a pinch.
• 1 tbsp 1 tablespoon orange zest – Use a microplane for fine zest.
• 1 cup 1 cup orange juice – Freshly squeezed is best for flavor.
• 1 tsp 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Feel free to use almond extract for a twist.

Time to Cook

Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 60 minutes | Total: 1 hour 20 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can make it a day in advance.

Steps to Make It

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F. Greasing your Bundt pan well is essential to prevent sticking, so don’t skip this step.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes, and you’ll notice a beautiful pale color forming.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You’ll want the mixture to be smooth and creamy, which helps the cake rise beautifully.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial for even distribution of the leavening agents, so take your time.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the orange juice. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which keeps the cake tender.
6. Fold in the chopped cranberries and orange zest gently. You want those lovely bits to be evenly distributed without breaking them down too much.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set, making it easier to remove without breaking.
9. Carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma will be heavenly, and your guests will be eager to dig in!
10. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze for extra sweetness. Enjoy this Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake with family and friends.

Make It Perfect

• Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
• If you want to add a little extra flair, drizzle a simple orange glaze over the cooled cake.
• Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Mix It Up

• For a chocolate twist, add mini chocolate chips to the batter.
• Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

Perfect Partners

• Pair this cake with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea.
• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

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FAQs

Conclusion

This Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake is perfect for holiday gatherings. Its bright flavors and beautiful presentation make it a standout dessert. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy this delightful treat together!

Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake for Holiday Gatherings

A festive Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake combines tart fresh cranberries with sweet orange zest and juice, creating a bright and comforting dessert perfect for holiday gatherings and family celebrations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 minute min

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Equipment

• bundt pan
• Oven
• Mixing Bowl
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

Main

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened (2 sticks), can substitute with margarine for dairy-free
• 2 cups granulated sugar use coconut sugar for less refined option
• 4 large eggs egg substitutes can be used for vegan version
• 3 cups all-purpose flour 360 g, whole wheat flour can be used for healthier option
• 1 tbsp baking powder ensure it’s fresh for best results
• 1 tsp salt kosher salt works well too
• 1 cup fresh cranberries chopped, dried cranberries can be used in a pinch
• 1 tbsp orange zest use a microplane for fine zest
• 1 cup orange juice freshly squeezed is best for flavor
• 1 tsp vanilla extract feel free to use almond extract for a twist

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your Bundt pan well to prevent sticking.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and creamy.
• In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt evenly.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with orange juice, mixing until just combined.
• Fold in chopped cranberries and orange zest gently for even distribution.
• Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
• Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set.
• Invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
• Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze for extra sweetness.

Keyword Bundt cake, Cranberry, easy, festive, holiday, Orange